CN1117748A - Improved surfaces for sporting and other activities - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention discloses an improved leather floor, wherein grass grows in a material layer containing sand, a growth-supporting organic medium and elongated synthetic fibers, each fiber is individually dispersed randomly in the material layer, the fiber length 5-75mm. Subbases employing the material are also disclosed for use in sports and/or other active surfaces.

Description

Improved surfaces for sports or other activities

field of invention

This invention relates to surfaces for sports and other activities, and in particular to surfaces suitable for equestrian, ball games such as football and golf, and other recreational activities. Background of the invention

The natural surface used for most equestrian sports, especially for jumping horses, is grass. This is suitable for large areas such as running tracks where the usage rate is low so that the grass can recover between games. But when the grass is used frequently, such as on the training ground, the grass, especially in autumn and winter, will be damaged and patches of mud will be exposed. In dry conditions, these mud surfaces are both dusty and hard, which can lead to unfortunate incidents such as broken legs.

As an alternative to grass, a large number of artificial surfaces have been used. The first known used flooring is that of natural wood fibers, which is an excellent flooring when new. However it is a natural material and as such will deteriorate over time. So it had to be replaced, and because it was expensive, it was expensive to replace. A second known ground layer uses chopped PVC (usually used cable insulation) as material. The prepared ground is very good, but if the pavement is too deep, the prepared ground will appear soft, and the material cost is also high. A third known ground layer is the use of ash from power plants. When the ground of this kind of ash is newly paved, it is easy to drain water in rainy weather, but under dry conditions, this kind of ground is prone to dust and hardens due to compaction, especially after long-term use. Another ground layer is made of silica sand. The ground made of it is a good ground in wet weather, but in dry weather, it is extremely unsuitable for jumping and landing on sandy ground, especially for equestrian training. In terms of. The main problem with silica sand is that there is not enough bonding between the grit grains, so it makes surfaces that are too loose for riding and can create deep sinkholes for horseshoes.

The natural surface used for most ball games is also grass. Damage to turf and soil structure from normal use can be severe and may outpace recovery. The damage is particularly noticeable in certain areas, such as the shooting and midfield circles of soccer fields, and golf tees, where the turf can be completely damaged and the soil compacted. In rainy weather, this damaged grass is muddy; in dry weather, it is hard and uneven.

Many types of artificial surfaces have been used in place of grass. The first known used ground layer is often referred to as a hard porous ground layer, which is a material mix of varying proportions of gravel/sand/clay mixed with water, usually laid over a drainage layer of coarser material. But this kind of ground does not provide enough cushioning for sports, and there is too much friction. This ground layer material can also be damaged and lose its water permeability. In dry weather, dusting is also a problem.

The second known ground layer is a synthetic material designed to simulate real turf. It can be laid over soil or a filter layer of sand or other material. This artificial turf material can also be mixed with caulking sand. But this ground layer lays costly, and is not elastic enough for the athlete who falls, and its maintenance is inconvenient and expensive.

A third known ground layer is a layer of loosely bound fibers which is used within a sand layer. This sand layer is laid on top of the water filter layer of other materials. The maintenance of this ground is inconvenient and the cost is high, and the sports performance is also poor.

A fourth known ground layer is a layer of sand or granular material bound with bitumen or similar material. This kind of floor has insufficient elasticity, too much friction, and the maintenance cost is high and inconvenient.

To sum up, when the surface of the sports field is severely worn, it tends not to use grass, but to switch to various artificial surfaces. However, for a number of reasons, both aesthetic and practical, it is still preferable to use turf surfaces, if their wear properties can be improved.

In British Patent No. 2184765B an all-weather surface for equestrian teleportation is described and claimed. This ground is very successful in practical applications. The ground layer material is a mixture of a layer of sand and slender synthetic fibers. The fibers are randomly dispersed in the sand, and the fiber length is 25-75mm, and they are straight and not curled. However, this ground layer is still a fully artificial ground layer after all. Summary of the invention

Now, we have developed an improved all-weather turf surface in which the root zone is secured with synthetic fibers while maintaining a structure that drains water and breathes well, and a surface for sports and other activities. grassroots.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an improved turf surface wherein grass is grown in a layer of material comprising sand, a growth supporting organic medium and elongated synthetic fibers individually dispersed randomly within the layer of material Yes, the fiber length is 5-75mm.

In another aspect, the present invention does not provide a method of forming an improved turf surface comprising: sowing grass seed over, or laying turf over, a layer of material consisting of sand, a growth-supporting organic medium, and elongated synthetic fibers In the above, each fiber is randomly dispersed in the material layer individually, and the fiber length is 5-75 mm.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a material for turf growth, which contains sand, growth supporting organic media and elongated synthetic fibers, each fiber is single and randomly dispersed in the growth material, and the fiber length is 5 to 75mm .

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a subbase for sports and/or other active surfaces, which is a layer of a mixture of granular or fibrous organic material containing vegetable matter, elongated synthetic fibers, Each fiber is randomly dispersed in the material layer individually, and the fiber length is 5-75 mm. Detailed description of the invention

The components of the material according to the invention are sand, an organic medium (which may be a growth supporting organic medium or a granular or fibrous organic material containing vegetable matter), elongated synthetic fibers.

Sands suitable for use in the present invention may be silica sands, or clay-bound sands activated with water. Clay-bound sand activated with organic liquids, while sometimes used for riding surfaces, is not generally suitable for use in the present invention.

Silica sand is a relatively pure, clay-free sand that has been well classified by wet classification. Water-activated clay-bonded sand is one in which the sand particles are covered with water-activated clay. This layer of water-activated material gives the sand a certain degree of adhesion strength, which depends on the relative content of clay and water.

The average diameter of sand particles is preferably 100-1000 microns.

The production support organic medium may be any suitable granular or fibrous material capable of being penetrated by grass roots, but is preferably soil, peat, or a mixture thereof.

If soil is used, it is best to use high quality topsoil (sieved and/or sanitized) from an approved source. Topsoil provides the basic source of nutrients the grass needs and also has moisturizing properties.

The peat used, preferably also from an approved source, provides organic ingredients that act as moisture retainers and provides a source of bacterial actives in the root zone that promote root growth.

It is best to add soil amendments to the growth support medium, such as a seaweed-based soil amendment (such as Alginure soil amendment), which contains organic colloids that aggregate the soil and enhance microbial activity, and provide trace elements .

When the organic medium is a granular or fibrous vegetable matter-containing organic material, it can also, but need not be, support growth. The fibrous or granular organic material can be, for example, soil humus, peat or other similar materials obtained from the partial decomposition of vegetable matter.

The elongated synthetic fibers are preferably fibers of synthetic polymeric material which are resistant to environmental conditions. Polyolefin fibers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene or their copolymers are suitable, as are polyamides such as nylon, halogenated polymers such as PVC, and the like.

The length of the fiber is 5-75 mm, preferably 10-75 mm, most preferably 20-40 mm. The average diameter of the fibers is preferably 50-150 denier, for example about 65 denier.

The fibers are preferably polypropylene fibers commonly referred to as staple fibers.

The preferred thickness of the growth material layer (the layer for grass roots to grow) or the base layer is 25-150 mm, and 50-150 mm is the best.

It is very good to add a fertilizer to the layer of growing material at least before seeding or planting, and at intervals thereafter. Inorganic fertilizers containing a balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N, P, K) can be added to the root zone. For example, typical pre-sowing fertilizers (5, 7.5, 5) can be added to the growing material during the mixing stage, or sprinkled or sprayed on the surface of the growing material layer in situ. Fertilizers should be chosen to provide a balanced supply of key nutrients needed for normal turf growth.

The proportions of the components of the layer of growth material depend to some extent on the nature of said components. When silica sand is used, the amount thereof is preferably 50-95% by volume of the total composition, and most optimally 60-85% by volume. When using water-activated clay-bound sand, the preferred amount is from 50 to 95% by volume of the total composition.

As for the growth supporting organic medium, when topsoil is used, its consumption accounts for 5-50 volume % of the whole growth material composition is better, and 5-20 volume % is the best; and when using peat, accounts for 5-25 volume % of composition. Good, preferably 5-15% by volume.

As for the sub-base, its granular or fibrous organic material components, when topsoil is used, its dosage accounts for 5-50% by volume of the total material composition is better, 5-20% by volume is the best; when peat is used, account for 5-25% by volume of the composition is preferred, and most preferably 5-15% by volume.

When seagrass-based soil conditioner is used, the dosage is preferably 50-100 g/m ² , more preferably about 75 g/m ² .

The fertilizer application rate is preferably 10-50kg/20 tons of total composition weight, such as about 25kg/20 tons of total composition weight; when applied on the spot, the application rate is 50-100g/m ² , 75g/m ² is better .

The percentage of synthetic fibers in the total material composition is preferably 0.1-0.9% by weight, most preferably 0.25-0.5% by weight, for example about 0.4% by weight. Generally, the upper limit of fiber percentage is taken when using silica sand and the lower limit is taken when using water activated clay bound sand.

The fibers can be colored to match the color of the growing material so that they are largely invisible when used.

The components of the growth material may be mixed in any order or simultaneously to obtain a substantially homogeneous mixture. It is critical to disperse the fibers evenly and randomly throughout the mixture. It has been found that in practice it is best to premix the sand and fibers together in order to obtain a homogeneous randomly dispersed system.

In preparing the all-weather turf surface of the present invention, the turf and topsoil are removed to the desired depth and replaced with a layer of growing material. Sod and topsoil can be removed to a deeper depth, especially when drainage is poor, and a filter base is laid prior to the growth material layer. The filter base is a layer of properly sized, clean pressurized soil in accordance with usual design guidelines for drainage engineering. layer of crushed rock or gravel to an appropriate thickness.

The growth material is prepared by taking a quantity (usually several tons) of moderately wet sand and mixing it with a quantity of polypropylene fibers of the desired length. It is best to choose sand with an average particle size of 100-1000 microns, and the shape of the particles is round or slightly angular. The sand is mixed with the fibers in a high efficiency mixer, eg of the counter-rotating type, so that the fibers are distributed uniformly and randomly throughout the sand.

The random distribution of fibers in the sand has a stabilizing effect on the sand, so that the sand can resist the load from the horseshoe, etc., and its particles will not move, which reduces the possibility of sand particles scattering and horseshoe sinking, and obtains a stable structure. foundation. The fibers used should be long enough to create a "cross-linking" effect so that the sand layer will not move when subjected to pressure from horses' hooves, athlete's feet or wheeled vehicles or equipment, etc.

Therefore, the size of the grit, the diameter and length of the fibers should be carefully selected so as to fall within the optimum range for the desired application.

Straighter fibers should be used as crimped fibers are not as easy to mix to get a "homogeneous" mix. Fiber length is critical as it acts as a cross-link in the homogeneous mixture with the sand and this cross-link is essential to avoid unraveling when the mixture is subjected to shock loads from horseshoes, athlete's feet or other such implements (or people) Phenomena are essential.

After the sand is mixed with the fibers, this mixture is then mixed with a growth supporting organic medium and any soil amendments and/or suitable fertilizers. The mixed growing material is transported to the prepared site and spread to the desired thickness to obtain the desired ground layer properties. The properties of this ground layer can be varied by selecting the sand grain size and the percentages of the components mixed therein.

Then spread the grass seeds on the growth material layer according to a certain amount of sowing, which varies depending on the conditions of various places, but usually 25-35g/m ² . Alternatively, turf that has been grown on a layer of sand of the same type as that used for the growing material is transferred onto the layer of growing material. For this type of laying it is best to use so-called washed turf.

Using the method of the present invention, it has been found that it is possible to produce an all-weather turf surface which is self-draining so that water does not accumulate on the turf surface even after prolonged periods of heavy rain. This kind of ground can be kept relatively dry and not muddy, thus providing a solid ground for sports. It has also been found that such turf surfaces are resistant to compaction and that the root zone of the grass maintains good structure even when subjected to severe abrasion in wet conditions. Because this kind of turf is anti-compaction, its aeration conditions are improved, the growth conditions of the grass are very ideal, and it can grow healthily and vigorously. The grass layer on this turf ground will grow thicker and denser.

The preferred turf surfaces of the present invention have greatly improved shear resistance and stability. Synthetic fibers act like a colony of extremely indestructible roots and provide a structure in the root zone that will not rot. It is the distributed fibers, not the grass roots, that are believed to absorb the shock and pressure applied to the system and prevent the surface from cracking. Grass regrows very quickly after winter because the roots are well protected. For the same reason, this turf surface recovers very quickly even if a shallower piece is cut off when playing golf.

This novel all-weather turf surface is especially suitable for frequently used sports areas, such as equestrian training grounds, shooting areas of football fields, and midfield circle areas and golf teeing areas.

The preparation of the sub-base for sports or other surfaces follows the same procedure as above. A mixture of sand, granular or fibrous organic material containing vegetable matter and elongated synthetic fibers is spread to the desired depth on the prepared site as described above. A so-called "pavement" may be laid on the sub-base thus formed, which may be a clay pavement in the case of, for example, tennis courts or football fields. Of course, other suitable paving materials may also be used.

Readers should pay attention to all documents submitted at the same time as this specification and released for public reference together with this specification, and the contents of all these documents are hereby incorporated by reference.

All features disclosed in this specification (including appended claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all disclosed steps or methods or processes, can be combined in any way, of course those containing mutually exclusive steps and/or or combinations of features.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) can be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is only one example of a class of equivalent or similar features.

Claims (22)

1. the turf ground of an improvement is characterized in that, its medium-height grass is to be grown in the material layer that contains sand, growth support organic media and elongated synthetic fibers, and each fiber is single being dispersed in randomly in the material layer, and fibre length is 5～75mm.

2. turf as claimed in claim 1 ground is characterized in that, used sand is the oxidation silica sand, and the average diameter of sand grains is 100～1000 microns.

3. turf as claimed in claim 1 or 2 ground is characterized in that, used growth supports that organic media is a soil, peat, or its mixture.

4. as the described turf of claim 1～3 ground, it is characterized in that wherein also having soil conditioner, preferable with the soil conditioner of sea grass base.

5. as the described turf of claim 1～4 ground, it is characterized in that the fibre length of used elongated synthetic fibers is 20～40mm.

6. as the described turf of claim 1～5 ground, it is characterized in that the average diameter of used fiber is 50～150 deniers.

7. as the described turf of claim 1～6 ground, it is characterized in that used fiber is a polypropylene fibre.

8. as the described turf of claim 1～7 ground, it is characterized in that material layer thickness is that 50～150mm is thick.

9. as the described turf of claim 1～8 ground, it is characterized in that, wherein also be added with inorganic fertilizer.

10. as the described turf of claim 1～9 ground, it is characterized in that, used the oxidation silica sand that accounts for cumulative volume 50～95% in its material layer.

11. as the described turf of claim 1～9 ground, it is characterized in that, used the bonding sand of water activated clay that accounts for cumulative volume 50～95% in its material layer.

12., it is characterized in that growth wherein supports that organic media is with the soil that accounts for material layer cumulative volume 5～15% as the described turf of claim 1～11 ground.

13., it is characterized in that growth wherein supports that organic media is with the peat that accounts for material layer cumulative volume 5～25% as the described turf of claim 1～11 ground.

14., it is characterized in that wherein adopted sea grass base soil conditioner, its consumption is calculated as 50～100g/m by the area of material layer as the described turf of claim 1～13 ground ²

15., it is characterized in that as the described turf of claim 1～14 ground, wherein adopted inorganic fertilizer, its consumption is the total material of 10～50kg/20 ton.

16., it is characterized in that the consumption of synthetic fibers is 0.1～0.9% of a total amount of material in its material layer as the described turf of claim 1～15 ground.

17., it is characterized in that the consumption of synthetic fibers is 0.25～0.5% of a material gross weight in its material layer as the described turf of claim 1～16 ground.

18. method that forms the turf ground of improvement, it is characterized in that, it comprises: with grass seeds broadcast sowing in, or turf is layed in, support organic media and above the elongated synthetic fibers constituent material layer by sand, growth, each fiber is single being scattered in randomly in this material layer, and fibre length is 5～75mm.

19. turf as claimed in claim 18 ground is characterized in that, sand and fiber are premixed in efficient mixer.

20. as claim 18 or 19 described turf ground, it is characterized in that, be mixed with soil conditioner and/or inorganic fertilizer in the growth material layer.

21. a turf growth material that is used for turf ground is characterized in that, it contains sand, organic media and elongated synthetic fibers are supported in growth, and fiber is single being scattered in randomly in the material, and fibre length is 5～75mm.

22. one kind is used to move and/or the subbase on other movable ground, it is characterized in that, it is graininess or the fibrous organic material that one deck contains sand, vegetable matter, the mixed material layer of elongated synthetic fibers, each fiber is single being scattered in randomly in this material layer, and fibre length is 5～75mm.